Budget 2026–27
This Budget invests $1.2 billion over 5 years from 2025-26 in initiatives that support better outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Funding focuses on key areas that will improve Closing the Gap outcomes with an emphasis on continuing to work with First Nations people – and backing community-led design – to promote success. Focus areas include jobs, food security, family safety, education, and health and wellbeing.
All measures strengthen our efforts to work with First Nations people, communities and organisations, and other levels of government. This is in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap to accelerate initiatives that are working and address those that are not improving fast enough.
Jobs and economic empowerment
In February 2026, the expansion of the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program was announced with an additional $299 million investment to double new jobs from 3,000 to 6,000 by 2030.
Food security
additional funding for cost-of-living support.
investment to support remote stores keep stock fresh when weather and distance make transport difficult.
Housing and infrastructure
to support Aboriginal Hostels Limited to continue to deliver critical short term accommodation services.
Education and learning pathways
to extend the Indigenous Boarding Provider grants program to provide tailored support to First Nations students completing schooling away from home for the 2027 school year.
Supporting First Nations organisations
in 2026-27 to extend funding for the Coalition of Peaks Secretariat to continue supporting implementation and delivery arrangements for the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
in 2026-27 to support Children’s Ground to deliver health and wellbeing services to children and families in select homelands and outstations in Central Australia and West Arnhem
(co-funded by the Department of Health for a total of $2.5 million in 2026-27).
Celebrating histories, culture and heritage
released to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and the Department of Finance to deliver Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Precinct at Acton Peninsula, Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
More information
A number of other portfolios across the Commonwealth are also prioritising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, the details of which are available on budget.gov.au.
- Media releases
- Portfolio Budget Statements
- Fact Sheet - Budget 2026–27: Delivering better outcomes for First Nations people ( PDF 1.08Mb | DOCX 1.43Mb )
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